Purpose of These Policies

These policies explain the academic, financial, attendance, conduct, and administrative requirements that apply to students enrolled at The English Island, also referred to as “TEI” or “the School.”

Students are responsible for reading and understanding these policies before applying, enrolling, submitting payment, or attending classes. By enrolling at TEI, students acknowledge that they have reviewed and agree to follow the policies that apply to their program.

Nothing on this page constitutes legal or immigration advice. Immigration laws and government procedures may change. Students should consult a qualified immigration attorney when they need legal advice regarding their individual circumstances.

1. Eligibility and Enrollment

1.1 General Eligibility

Applicants to The English Island must:

  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Be able to read and write in their native language;
  • Meet the academic and language-related requirements for their selected program;
  • Demonstrate sufficient financial ability to pay tuition, fees, and living expenses; and
  • Provide complete and accurate information during the application process.

Applicants who do not yet meet the requirements for group classes may be considered for private instruction or another appropriate program, when available.

1.2 F-1 International Student Program

Students enrolling in TEI’s F-1 international student program must register for and maintain the full course of study required for their program and immigration classification.

TEI’s F-1 program currently consists of 18 instructional hours per week during each 10-week academic term.

F-1 students agree to comply with:

  • TEI’s academic and attendance requirements;
  • All applicable SEVP, SEVIS, DHS, USCIS, and immigration requirements;
  • The dates and conditions appearing on their Form I-20 and Form I-94;
  • All applicable extension-of-stay requirements and deadlines;
  • School payment requirements; and
  • All reporting and documentation deadlines communicated by TEI.

F-1 students must remain enrolled at the school that initially issued their Form I-20 for the period required by applicable federal regulations. Under the DHS final rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, an F-1 student generally may not transfer to another SEVP-certified school during the student’s first academic year of the program of study unless SEVP authorizes an exception based on extenuating circumstances.

TEI cannot independently waive a federal transfer restriction. Students must continue attending classes and maintaining academic, attendance, financial, and immigration requirements until an authorized transfer-release date is established in SEVIS.

1.3 Maximum Period of F-1 Language Training

Under the DHS final rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, an F-1 student may generally engage in language training for an aggregate maximum of 24 months.

The 24-month limit includes:

  • Time spent in language-training programs at TEI;
  • Time spent in language-training programs at other schools;
  • Scheduled breaks; and
  • Annual vacation periods.

Students are responsible for disclosing all previous F-1 language-training enrollment accurately. TEI may review the student’s SEVIS history and other documentation when determining eligibility for enrollment, continued study, vacation, transfer, or an extension recommendation.

TEI cannot guarantee that a student will be eligible to remain in F-1 language-training status for the full length of a requested program.

2. Tuition, Fees, and Payment Requirements

2.1 Application and Registration Fees

The following fees currently apply:

  • F-1 application fee: $185
  • Registration fee for other programs: $50

Students returning to TEI after an absence of more than 12 months may be required to pay a new application or registration fee.

Certain applicants, including some applicants with pending immigration matters, may be required to pay an application fee and an additional deposit. TEI will provide the applicable amount before payment is made.

All application fees, registration fees, and deposits are non-refundable.

2.2 Tuition Payment

Students must pay all tuition and required fees before beginning or continuing classes unless TEI has approved a written payment arrangement.

Students may not begin or continue attending classes when an account is past due.

TEI currently accepts:

  • Checks;
  • Debit cards;
  • Credit cards;
  • Authorized automatic payments;
  • Zelle; and
  • Wire transfers.

Students using a credit card or automatic payment method may be required to complete a separate payment authorization.

2.3 F-1 Student Payments

F-1 students must make their first required tuition payment before beginning classes.

Subsequent tuition payments are generally due before the beginning of each new term or according to a written payment schedule approved by the Director.

When a payment cannot be processed, TEI will contact the student. The student must promptly resolve the outstanding balance.

Failure to meet TEI’s financial requirements may result in:

  • The student being unable to attend classes;
  • Loss of good financial standing;
  • Ineligibility for vacation or other discretionary school requests;
  • Dismissal from the program; and
  • Appropriate reporting or action in SEVIS when required by applicable federal regulations and TEI procedures.

TEI does not issue, revoke, cancel, or terminate visas. However, when a student stops attending, is dismissed, fails to maintain a full course of study, or otherwise fails to maintain status, TEI may be required to update or terminate the student’s SEVIS record.

2.4 Returned Payments

A check or payment returned for insufficient funds or another reason may result in:

  • A $50 returned-payment fee;
  • Any applicable late-payment charges; and
  • Suspension of the student’s ability to attend classes until the account is resolved.

2.5 Changes to Tuition and Fees

TEI may revise tuition, fees, payment schedules, and program prices for future enrollment periods.

Students should confirm current prices and program dates with TEI before registering or renewing enrollment. Changes will not be applied retroactively unless permitted by the student’s enrollment agreement and applicable law.

3. No-Refund Policy

3.1 All Payments Are Final

The English Island maintains a strict no-refund policy.

All payments made to TEI are final and non-refundable, including, without limitation:

  • Tuition;
  • Application fees;
  • Registration fees;
  • Administrative fees;
  • Deposits;
  • Books;
  • Learning materials;
  • Technology-related charges;
  • Private-lesson packages;
  • Vacation deposits;
  • Late-payment charges; and
  • Any other payment made to the School.

TEI does not issue:

  • Full refunds;
  • Partial refunds;
  • Prorated refunds;
  • Tuition credits;
  • Account credits; or
  • Refunds based on unused class time.

This policy applies regardless of the reason the student:

  • Cancels or withdraws;
  • Stops attending;
  • Changes plans;
  • Transfers to another school;
  • Leaves the United States;
  • Is unable to enter or remain in the United States;
  • Experiences a visa denial, delay, or immigration-related problem;
  • Is dismissed or terminated from the program;
  • Fails to maintain attendance, academic, financial, or immigration requirements;
  • Becomes ill or experiences a personal emergency; or
  • Is otherwise unable or unwilling to complete the purchased program.

TEI will not make discretionary exceptions to this policy. A refund will be issued only when TEI is legally required to provide one under applicable law.

Students are responsible for reviewing this policy carefully before applying, enrolling, or making any payment.

By submitting payment, the student acknowledges that the student has read, understood, and accepted TEI’s no-refund policy.

4. Cancellations and Unused Instruction

4.1 Group Programs

Failure to attend, withdrawal from the program, dismissal, transfer, travel, or another interruption does not create a right to a refund or credit.

Students remain responsible for all financial obligations arising under their enrollment agreement and approved payment schedule.

4.2 Private Lessons

Private-lesson students must provide at least 48 hours’ notice to request that a scheduled lesson be postponed.

When sufficient notice is not provided, the scheduled lesson will be considered used and will not be replaced, credited, or refunded.

Unused private-lesson hours may be held for a maximum of 30 days, subject to availability and TEI’s scheduling procedures. Hours not resumed within that period may expire without refund or credit.

5. Payment Questions and Chargebacks

Students who have a question or concern regarding a charge should contact TEI’s administration promptly so the School can review the matter and provide supporting records.

Initiating a chargeback does not automatically cancel a valid financial obligation to TEI.

When a student disputes a valid and properly authorized charge, TEI may provide the bank or card issuer with relevant records, including:

  • Enrollment documents;
  • Payment authorizations;
  • Attendance records;
  • Communications;
  • Signed acknowledgements;
  • School policies; and
  • Evidence that services were made available or provided.

When permitted by applicable law and the student’s agreement, the student may be responsible for unpaid balances, collection expenses, and other costs arising from an invalid or unsuccessful payment dispute.

Nothing in this section limits any right that cannot legally be waived under applicable law or card-network requirements.

6. Maintaining F-1 Student Status

F-1 students are responsible for understanding and maintaining their immigration status and authorized period of stay.

Students must:

  • Enroll in and pursue the required full course of study;
  • Attend all required classes;
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress;
  • Maintain TEI’s minimum attendance requirements;
  • Monitor the program end date on their Form I-20;
  • Monitor the “admit until” date on their Form I-94;
  • Maintain a valid passport and other required immigration documents;
  • Keep their address, telephone number, email, financial sponsorship, and immigration information current;
  • Report address and other required changes within the applicable deadline;
  • Inform a DSO before international travel and obtain an updated travel endorsement when required;
  • Request any program extension recommendation before the current program end date;
  • Timely file any required extension-of-stay application with USCIS;
  • Report plans involving transfer, withdrawal, early completion, program extension, or change of status;
  • Refrain from unauthorized employment; and
  • Comply with all government filing, reporting, and departure deadlines.

Beginning on the effective date of the new DHS rule, F-1 students will no longer be admitted solely for “duration of status.” Instead, students will be admitted for a specific authorized period reflected in their immigration records.

The date on a student’s Form I-20 does not by itself extend the student’s authorized stay. When an extension of stay is required, the student must obtain TEI’s recommendation and file the required application with USCIS in the manner and within the time required by law.

TEI cannot guarantee:

  • Visa issuance;
  • Admission or readmission to the United States;
  • An extension of stay;
  • Reinstatement;
  • Approval of a transfer;
  • Approval of a change of status; or
  • Any other immigration benefit.

Government agencies make immigration decisions. Students needing legal advice should consult a qualified immigration attorney.

7. Fixed Period of Admission and Extension Requirements

Under the DHS final rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, F-1 students will generally be admitted for the period necessary to complete the program listed on the Form I-20, subject to the limits established by federal law.

The authorized period of stay is determined by the student’s immigration records, including the Form I-94. Students must not rely only on a visa expiration date or Form I-20 program date when determining how long they may lawfully remain in the United States.

A student who needs additional time to complete a program must:

  1. Contact TEI well before the current program end date;
  2. Demonstrate continued eligibility and maintenance of status;
  3. Provide updated financial and academic documentation;
  4. Obtain a Form I-20 containing TEI’s extension recommendation, when appropriate;
  5. File the required extension-of-stay application with USCIS before the applicable deadline; and
  6. Pay all required government fees and provide biometrics when required.

A recommendation from TEI does not extend the student’s stay and does not guarantee that USCIS will approve the extension.

An extension may be unavailable when the delay in completion resulted from academic probation, suspension, repeated failure, unwillingness to complete the program, or another reason that does not satisfy federal extension requirements.

TEI will not backdate an extension recommendation or guarantee that a late request can be corrected.

Students are encouraged to begin the school review process several months before the program or authorized-stay expiration date.

7.1 Students Admitted Before the Effective Date

Students who were admitted or approved for F-1 status under duration of status before the new rule’s effective date will be subject to the transition provisions established by DHS.

Their authorized period of stay may become tied to the program end date shown on the Form I-20 that is valid on the rule’s effective date, subject to applicable federal limits and transition provisions.

Current students must not assume that a prior “D/S” notation permits them to remain indefinitely. TEI will provide additional guidance after reviewing each student’s SEVIS record, Form I-20, Form I-94, program end date, and applicable DHS instructions.

Each student remains responsible for monitoring all dates and obtaining legal advice when necessary.

8. Attendance

8.1 Group Students

Students must attend every scheduled class and arrive on time.

Group students must maintain at least 80% overall attendance to:

  • Remain in good standing;
  • Continue enrollment;
  • Qualify for a certificate; and
  • Satisfy applicable F-1 program requirements.

TEI does not classify absences as “excused” for purposes of calculating attendance. An absence may still affect the student’s attendance percentage even when the student provides an explanation or documentation.

Students who fall below the required attendance level may receive:

  • An attendance warning;
  • Attendance probation;
  • Required counseling;
  • Dismissal from the program; and
  • SEVIS action when required for an F-1 student.

F-1 students should not assume that illness, travel, employment, transportation difficulties, family matters, or another personal circumstance automatically protects their immigration status.

8.2 Private-Lesson Students

Private-lesson students must attend all scheduled lessons.

A student who cannot attend must provide at least 48 hours’ notice to request rescheduling. Lessons missed without sufficient notice will be considered used.

9. Academic Progress

9.1 Group Students

Students must maintain an overall weighted grade average of at least 75% to remain in good academic standing and advance to the next level.

Students may receive progress reports approximately every five weeks.

A student who does not maintain the required academic average may receive:

  • An academic warning;
  • Academic probation;
  • A requirement to repeat a class or level; or
  • Dismissal when satisfactory progress is not restored.

9.2 Repeating Levels

A student may be required or permitted to repeat a level because of:

  • A failing grade;
  • Insufficient attendance;
  • Lack of satisfactory progress; or
  • The next appropriate level not being available.

A level may generally be repeated no more than two times, subject to academic review and applicable school procedures.

9.3 Homework

Homework is a required component of TEI’s English-language programs.

Students should plan to study and complete assignments outside class. Teachers may provide additional expectations based on the student’s course and level.

10. Placement and Level Changes

10.1 Group Classes

Before entering a group class, students complete TEI’s placement process, which may include speaking and written assessments.

Students may be placed in an appropriate instructional level, including:

  • Beginner;
  • High Beginner;
  • Low Elementary;
  • Elementary;
  • Low Intermediate;
  • Intermediate;
  • High Intermediate; 
  • Advanced; or
  • Proficient.

A student who believes the placement is not appropriate should first speak with the teacher.

When appropriate, the student may submit a request to the Director for additional review or reassessment. Changes during an academic term are not guaranteed and are generally limited to special circumstances.

10.2 Private Lessons

Private-lesson students may also complete placement assessments. TEI develops the course plan based on the student’s assessed proficiency, goals, and instructional needs.

11. Vacation Policy

Vacation is available only to eligible students and must be approved in writing before it begins.

Students requesting vacation must:

  • Submit the request and supporting documents at least 4 weeks before the end date of the term before the requested vacation term;
  • Meet TEI’s enrollment-duration requirement;
  • Be in good academic, attendance, and financial standing;
  • Maintain at least 80% attendance and a 75% academic average;
  • Pay the required non-refundable vacation deposit;
  • Provide travel and current contact information when requested; and
  • Continue complying with all immigration requirements and authorized-stay deadlines.

The maximum vacation period is generally one 10-week term, subject to eligibility and applicable federal regulations.

The current vacation deposit is $800 and must generally be paid at least 3 weeks before the end date of the term before the requested vacation term.

A vacation period does not pause or extend:

  • The student’s authorized period of stay;
  • The program end date;
  • A USCIS filing deadline; or
  • The federal aggregate limit applicable to language training.

Under the DHS final rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, annual vacation and school breaks count toward the aggregate 24-month limit for F-1 language-training students.

A vacation request is not approved until TEI provides written confirmation.

12. Leave, Reduced Course Load, and Medical Circumstances

An F-1 student may not stop attending, reduce enrollment, or take a leave of absence without first consulting a TEI DSO, except when an emergency makes advance consultation impossible.

A school-approved leave does not automatically constitute immigration authorization.

Students requesting a medical reduced course load or another immigration-related accommodation must:

  • Contact a DSO promptly;
  • Submit documentation that meets federal requirements;
  • Obtain authorization before reducing or stopping study whenever required;
  • Continue monitoring their Form I-20 and Form I-94 dates; and
  • File an extension-of-stay application when required.

A leave, reduced course load, illness, or other interruption does not automatically extend the program end date, authorized period of stay, or 24-month language-training limit.

Financial obligations during a leave are governed by the student’s Enrollment Agreement and TEI’s no-refund policy.

13. Transfer-Out Policy

An F-1 student may transfer only when the student meets all applicable federal eligibility requirements.

Under the DHS final rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, a student below the graduate level generally may not transfer to another SEVP-certified school during the first academic year of the program of study at the school that initially issued the student’s Form I-20, unless SEVP authorizes an exception for extenuating circumstances.

TEI cannot independently approve an exception to this federal restriction.

To request a transfer after becoming eligible, the student must generally provide:

  • An acceptance letter from the new SEVP-certified school;
  • The new school’s transfer-in form, when required;
  • TEI’s completed transfer-out request form;
  • The requested SEVIS release date; and
  • Any additional documentation needed to establish eligibility.

The student must:

  • Be maintaining F-1 status;
  • Continue attending and pursuing a full course of study until the approved release date;
  • Remain in good academic and financial standing under applicable school policies;
  • Not be on academic probation or school suspension when such conditions make the student ineligible under federal rules;
  • Begin classes at the transfer-in school within the period required by federal regulation; and
  • Continue monitoring the expiration date of the student’s authorized stay.

TEI will review complete transfer requests as promptly as reasonably possible. TEI’s internal processing period does not extend a federal deadline or the student’s authorized stay.

A transfer does not create a right to a refund, tuition credit, or cancellation of an existing financial obligation.

When the new program cannot be completed within the student’s current authorized period of stay, the student may also be required to file an extension-of-stay application with USCIS.

Students who have requested to transfer from TEI to another institution should continue to attend class and must continue to pay tuition until their transfer is completed. Students must pay an Early Transfer Fee of $499 if they have not completed the minimum 2 terms at TEI by the time of transfer or an Expedite Transfer Fee of $499 if they begin the transfer process less than 15 business days before the end date of their final term at TEI. Once all required documents to process the transfer are received and any remaining account balance is paid, it will take 3-5 business days for The English Island to process the transfer.  

13.1 Completion, Withdrawal, and Early End of Study

Under the DHS final rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, an F-1 student who completes the program will generally have 30 days after the applicable program or training end date to depart the United States or otherwise take lawful action to remain.

When a student ends study or training earlier than expected, the student and eligible dependents generally must depart or take lawful action within 30 days of the shortened end date.

Students must consult a DSO and, when appropriate, an immigration attorney before withdrawing, completing early, or stopping attendance.

TEI cannot guarantee that a student will qualify for another status, an extension, transfer, reinstatement, or readmission.

14. Student Conduct

Students must treat teachers, staff members, visitors, and other students respectfully.

Students are expected to:

  • Participate appropriately in class;
  • Follow teacher instructions;
  • Complete assigned work;
  • Use English during class when instructed;
  • Avoid disruptive behavior;
  • Protect school property;
  • Respect the rights and safety of others; and
  • Follow all lawful school instructions.

Prohibited conduct includes:

  • Threatening, intimidating, harassing, or discriminatory behavior;
  • Physical violence or fighting;
  • Possessing a weapon on school property;
  • Possessing or using illegal drugs on school property;
  • Attending class while impaired by alcohol or drugs;
  • Theft or intentional property damage;
  • Academic dishonesty;
  • Recording another person without authorization when consent is required;
  • Repeated disruption of instruction; and
  • Retaliating against a person who makes a good-faith complaint.

Violations may result in a warning, probation, suspension, dismissal, or other appropriate action.

15. Dress Code

Students must wear clean, appropriate clothing suitable for an educational environment.

Clothing may not contain messages or images that are threatening, discriminatory, sexually explicit, or that promote illegal activity.

Students must wear shoes or appropriate sandals while on school property.

Head coverings worn for religious, cultural, medical, or disability-related reasons are permitted.

TEI may ask a student to correct attire that materially disrupts instruction, creates a legitimate safety concern, or violates this policy.

16. Cheating and Plagiarism

Students may collaborate when the teacher authorizes collaboration.

Students may not:

  • Copy another student’s examination or assignment;
  • Allow another person to complete their work;
  • Use unauthorized materials during an assessment;
  • Present another person’s ideas or language as their own;
  • Fabricate information or sources; or
  • Use artificial intelligence or another technology in a manner prohibited by the instructor.

Students must properly identify and cite outside sources when required.

Academic dishonesty may result in:

  • A failing grade on the assignment or examination;
  • An academic warning;
  • Academic probation;
  • A requirement to repeat coursework; or
  • Dismissal for serious or repeated violations.

17. Student Complaints

A student who has a concern should first attempt to resolve it with the appropriate teacher or staff member when reasonable.

A student may submit a formal complaint to the Director using TEI’s complaint form.

TEI will generally:

  • Confirm receipt of the complaint within two business days; and
  • Provide a written response or status update within seven calendar days.

Some matters may require additional time to investigate. TEI will inform the student when additional time is reasonably necessary.

Students may submit complaints without retaliation for making a good-faith report.

Information regarding any applicable external complaint procedure should be provided in TEI’s Student Handbook or accreditation disclosures.

18. Media and Promotional Consent

Participation in photographs, videos, voice recordings, testimonials, or promotional materials is voluntary.

TEI should obtain separate written consent before using a student’s identifiable image, voice, name, testimonial, or recording for promotional purposes.

Declining media consent will not affect a student’s admission, enrollment, academic standing, immigration reporting, or access to TEI’s educational services.

A student may withdraw consent for future use by submitting a written request. Withdrawal will not necessarily require TEI to recall or remove materials that were lawfully produced, published, or distributed before the withdrawal was received.

19. Accuracy of Student Information

Students certify that all information and documentation submitted to TEI are complete and accurate to the best of their knowledge.

Students must promptly report material changes involving:

  • Name;
  • Address;
  • Telephone number;
  • Email address;
  • Immigration status;
  • Financial sponsorship;
  • Passport or immigration documents; and
  • Emergency contact information.

Submitting false, altered, misleading, or fraudulent information may result in denial of admission, dismissal, cancellation of school documents, and reporting to the appropriate authority when required.

20. Legal Terms

20.1 Governing Law and Venue

These policies and the student’s enrollment relationship with TEI will be governed by applicable federal law and the laws of the State of Georgia.

To the extent legally permitted, legal proceedings arising from the student’s enrollment or agreement with TEI will be brought in the appropriate court located in Cobb County, Georgia.

20.2 Severability

If a provision of these policies is determined to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in effect to the extent legally permitted.

20.3 Policy Updates

TEI may revise these policies to reflect operational, academic, accreditation, legal, or regulatory changes.

Material changes will apply prospectively unless immediate implementation is required by law, regulation, accreditation requirements, or a government agency.

The version in effect when a student enrolls or renews enrollment will govern unless the student receives notice that an updated requirement applies.

21. Student Acknowledgement

By applying, enrolling, paying tuition or fees, or attending classes, I acknowledge that:

  1. I have read and understood TEI’s School Policies, or I have requested assistance understanding them.
  2. I understand that I am responsible for following the academic, attendance, conduct, financial, and administrative requirements that apply to my program.
  3. I understand that all payments made to TEI are final and non-refundable and that TEI will not issue refunds, partial refunds, prorated refunds, or credits, except when required by applicable law.
  4. I understand that withdrawing, transferring, stopping attendance, leaving the United States, experiencing a visa problem, or being dismissed does not automatically cancel my financial obligations.
  5. I certify that the information and documents I provide are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
  6. I certify that I have sufficient funds to pay my educational and living expenses.
  7. If I am an F-1 student, I understand that I am responsible for maintaining my immigration status and complying with all applicable deadlines and requirements.
  8. I understand that TEI cannot guarantee a visa, admission to the United States, an extension of stay, reinstatement, transfer, or another immigration benefit.
  9. I understand that TEI may take appropriate action in my SEVIS record when required by law, regulation, or school procedure.
  10. I agree to follow TEI’s policies and procedures throughout my enrollment.
  11. I understand that my authorized period of stay may be controlled by the date appearing on my Form I-94 and that this date may differ from my visa expiration date or Form I-20 program date.
  12. I understand that obtaining a new or extended Form I-20 does not by itself extend my authorized stay when federal law requires an extension-of-stay application with USCIS.
  13. I understand that F-1 language training is subject to an aggregate federal limit of 24 months, including language study at other schools, scheduled breaks, and annual vacation.
  14. I understand that I may generally be prohibited from transferring schools during the first academic year of my program unless SEVP authorizes an exception.
  15. I understand that TEI cannot independently waive federal transfer, extension, admission, or authorized-stay requirements.
  16. I understand that after program completion or an early end to study, I may have only 30 days to depart the United States or take other lawful action, depending on the rules applicable to me.
  17. I understand that I am responsible for monitoring my Form I-20, Form I-94, passport, authorized-stay period, and government filing deadlines.